Australian indie rock has become an incredibly colourful and burgeoning scene over the last decade or so, but if there was ever a cornerstone holding the baton on high, it would undoubtedly be The Jezabels.
I’ve managed to catch them at the odd festival spot over the last few years (somehow sidestepping their seven-day Lansdowne Hotel residency shortly after its reopening), but every time I’ve been left reeling and glittery eyed.
No matter the locale, every live set from The Jezabels leaves me reeling and glittery-eyed.
It’s been about two and half years since the Sydney four piece last toured, and this would be their most extensive yet. Partnering with Corona SunSets to hit up a slew of capital cities and regionals, fans were all but frothing for some long awaited live action from the indie juggernauts.
Their Manly sunset spot at Hotel Steyne could have easily been the most idyllic setting for a Jezabels/Corona collab, as the salty ocean air drifted across the downstairs courtyard. The joint was buzzing, thronged with eager punters squeezing in tighter as the band’s set time ticked over. When they finally entered, they were met with warm, rapturous applause.
Frontwoman Hayley Mary’s extraordinary pipes anchored each song as the band soared through a career spanning set. They steamrolled in with the timeless Mace Spray, segueing seamlessly into Endless Summer and Look of Love. The 12-track set kept tight, flawless momentum, as you’d expect from a band that’s been kicking it for over a decade.
If you weren’t in the know that they hadn’t toured for a couple of years, you wouldn’t have been able to tell. Whether they’re performing on some arena stage or at a boozy beachside tavern, that Jezabels razzle-dazzle stuns every time. Hopefully we won’t have to wait so long for their next sunset romp!
